differentiation

Planetary differentiation is the process by which a planet separates into distinct layers based on density. When Earth formed, it was a hot, molten body. Over time, heavier elements like iron and nickel sank to the center to form the core, while lighter elements rose to the surface to form the crust and mantle. This chemical separation, driven by heat and gravity, is a fundamental process in planetary evolution.12

This differentiation created Earth's distinct layers: the solid inner core, the liquid outer core, the dense mantle, and the lighter crust. The process is ongoing, as seen in plate tectonics, where materials are continuously cycled and chemically processed. This differentiation is crucial for understanding a planet's composition and geological activity.213